Seeing 111 Often

Most likely, your attention is attuned to the presence of repeating digits, especially 111.

When you notice the repeating-digits number, your mind gives it a moment of attention, enough to note the number for what it is and perhaps even wonder about it. Other numbers you see in your environment don't get that extra attention.

The extra attention expended on it makes it much more likely that you will remember seeing that number. Other numbers are forgotten soon after seeing them.

Remembering the seeing of a certain number, and not other numbers, makes it seem as if that was the only number that was seen. When in fact it is the only number that is remembered as having been seen — having paid the number extra attention at the instant of noticing it.

See the Why You See Certain Numbers All the Time article for more information about that.